Misery loves company — and sometimes, even drunk company. If you want to participate in the Flying Pig Marathon, but you don’t want to run 26.2 miles, you can always offer encouragement to the runners while sipping on drinking at one of Cincinnati’s fine establishments.
Spend your Sunday afternoon at these bars along the Fly Pig Marathon route. Check out the road closures and get there early to make sure you have a spot.
**Call to ask for availability, as these locations may be busy.
Press on Monmouth
Start your morning out right with some mimosas and a loaded tater tot waffle while watching the runners start their marathon journey. The Fly Pig route runs right past Press on Monmouth, meaning that you can cheer on the participants while enjoying a cocktail. 421 Monmouth St., Newport, pressonmonmouthnky.com.
The Standard
While not directly on the route, The Standard in Covington is just one block off the runner's next leg of their Flying Pig journey after passing through Newport. Recently, The Standard began offering full service again, so sit back, relax and enjoy watching runners struggle as you sip on an imaginative cocktail and munch on the establishment's breakfast burger. 434 Main St., Covington, facebook.com/thestandardcov.
Knockback Nats
There are plenty of spots to drink and enjoy the chaos as the Flying Pig route passes through 7th Street downtown. We suggest heading to Knockback Nats for some of their famous wings. Enjoy a beer and watch as the runners make their way through the city before their elevation begins to climb. 10 W. 7th St., Downtown, facebook.com/Knockback-Nats-Neighborhood-Bar.
Branch and Night Drop
Runners may be struggling with the hilly terrain as they make their way through East Walnut Hills, but you don’t have to be struggling at all. Instead, you can be enjoying brunch at the art deco bank-turned-restaurant, Branch, and then move downstairs and outside to their lower bar and patio.1535 Madison Road, East Walnut Hills, eatatbranch.com.
O’Bryon’s Bar and Grill
As the race moves into Madisonville, you can stop by O’Bryon’s Bar and Grill for their $6 Bloody Marys and mimosas or 5 for $15 beer buckets. Sit out on their patio overlooking the parade route on Madison Avenue. Grab some pretzel sticks and a pub burger while you watch the race moving into Hyde Park. 1998 Madison Road, O'Bryonville, obryonsirishpub.com.
Mesa Loca
Watch from Mesa Loca's patio as the racers make their way to Hyde Park Square. If you’re feeling extra fancy, order a Millionaire Margarita made with Don Julio 1942 tequila, Patron citrónge and Grand Marnier 100. Snack on some chips and guacamole and watch the runners zoom past. 2645 Erie Ave., Hyde Park, mesalocahydepark.com.
Streetside Brewing
There are a bunch of great spots to stop at as the race paces along the river. One that we love is Streetside Brewing, which sits right along Eastern Avenue with a lively patio that overlooks the race. Grab one of their house-made craft brews like the Be A Lot Cooler If You Did cherry Berliner. 4003 Eastern Ave., Columbia Tusculum, streetsidebrewery.com.
The Banks
The Flying Pig begins and ends at The Banks, where the streets will be filled with celebrations the entire day. There are tons of great spots to hit up at The Banks like Jefferson Social, Holy Grail Tavern and The Stretch. 150 E. Freedom Way, The Banks, thebankscincy.com.
Stay connected with CityBeat. Subscribe to our newsletters, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Google News, Apple News and Reddit.
Send CityBeat a news or story tip or submit a calendar event.
